Lost a key- can a new one be made at Lowe's?

[DZink24]

I am down to one key on my 2004. I lost the other one a few days ago literally, in a matter of 3 minutes (don't ask). I think I read somewhere that some of the 3rd gen keys can only be puchased from a dealer, because of the computerized chip inside the plastic.



Can a key for a 2004 be made at a hardware store?

 

[p-Bar]

Yes it can be made at a hardware store but it will only give you entry into the truck due to the chip as you thought. A better locksmith can make you a new one plan on spending a couple hundred dollars because you only have the one key. Have them make you an extra and put it away for safe keeping. When you have 2 keys the new copy can be made a lot cheaper. I am in the same boat as you except my wife took the extra key when I bought the truck and now she can't remember ever taking it from me.

 

[DZink24]

#@$%!

Three minutes and it literally vanished into thin air

 

[bighammer]

I'm assuming you have the big grey key and not the black one. (I think in 03 the chipped key was an option)

I bought one on eBay for about $6 plus anonther 5 or 6 shipping instead of the dealer's $50+ It looka a little different and has a bit more compact head, but works the same. The problem is that with only one key, you have to have the dealer program the 2nd key.

 

[silverram03]

What color were your keys? Gray= Chip> Black= No Chip

 

[AKaiser]

Take a look at how your keys are made. My 05 keys are just an oval-headed metal key with a black soft rubber cover. There's no chip anywhere.

 

[JApol]

If your truck has the factory security system you have a chipped key which is grey. If your truck doesn't have the security system then your key is black and no chip and any key will work.

 

[bighammer]

Take a look at how your keys are made. My 05 keys are just an oval-headed metal key with a black soft rubber cover. There's no chip anywhere.

The chip is embedded in the grey plastic oval.

Let's put it this way, if you get a $2 key that opens the doors, starts the truck only once for about a second or 2, you have a chipped key.

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes it can be made at a hardware store but it will only give you entry into the truck due to the chip as you thought. A better locksmith can make you a new one plan on spending a couple hundred dollars because you only have the one key. Have them make you an extra and put it away for safe keeping. When you have 2 keys the new copy can be made a lot cheaper. I am in the same boat as you except my wife took the extra key when I bought the truck and now she can't remember ever taking it from me.

Have you ever run into a locksmith that can program a skim key on a D/C product ?



Bob

 

[bighammer]

A local locksmith here was priced about the same as the dealer. (if I went to him-- extra if he came to me) You have to get the 4 digit PIN from the dealer, or there's a charge for that too.

 

[JRBurton]

Let me tell you from personal experience , if you think $50 is out of line THEN DO NOT LOOSE the last key you own . If you do you'd be more than happy to pay $100 for a key .

 

[DZink24]

What color were your keys? Gray= Chip> Black= No Chip

Black! WHEW!

 

[Bob4x4]

The first thing I do on my personal skim equipped vehicles is to make and program multiple keys and stash them where hopefully I will remember them.



Bob

 

[sag2]

California just passed a law that requires the manufacturers allow access to key and skim codes to licensed locksmiths. Not sure when it takes effect. Bob4x4, if you guys are a Sprinter dealer you know what a pain it was getting Mercedes to give STAR access to their key code database. I bet the Mercedes group will fight the law.

 

[Bob4x4]

AAA was a big advocate to get that law passed,it gives me a little worry as now some of the security is going to be lost. I would rather be pi@@ed because I lost my key and can't get one till Monday than come out and find my truck gone.



Bob

 

[Kirwin]

Skim code

I got the SKIM code from my dealer's service manager on a "build sheet"(?) for my truck. It was listed sort of like an option code. Note I did not have the security system from the factory. I added it after the fact as a "dealer installed option" using their DRB tool and my installation skill. The ECM had the program in it you just had to turn it on and install the two keys using the DRB tool. Did it in the dealers parking lot on a Saturday. Ken Irwin

 

[Kirwin]

Security concerns

I agree Bob. If your a thief, you have the SKIM code, A DRB tool, and a new key it won't take long to program a key and steal the truck!!! And as an extra bonus no damage to the truck!!! Don't you just love progress!!! :-{}Ken Irwin

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I am down to one key on my 2004. I lost the other one a few days ago literally, in a matter of 3 minutes (don't ask). I think I read somewhere that some of the 3rd gen keys can only be puchased from a dealer, because of the computerized chip inside the plastic.



Can a key for a 2004 be made at a hardware store?

Go to a Dealer and give them your vin number and they can duplicate it. at least that is what I have heard. Some people cover up their vin number to keep a thief from taking the number to a dealer and stealing the vehicle without breaking in. People who do this are those whose parents weren't married.

 

[DZink24]

3 months to the day.. found it

In a closet, cleaning in preparation to move... . I'll be a son of..... exactly 3 months.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Sounds like something I would do